By Ajay Sahota
As someone born in Canada and raised by parents who immigrated from India, Ajay understands the unique challenges immigrant parents face in guiding their children through the digital world.
Here are some personal tips that worked for them, and he hopes they help your family, too:
Learn About Social Media
One of the first steps I helped my parents was to explore apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. It wasn’t easy initially, as these platforms seemed foreign to them. Still, with patience and persistence, they gradually begin to understand how these apps work. I showed them how to navigate different features, explaining how people interact on these platforms and what content is commonly shared. This hands-on experience made our conversations about online safety more meaningful. It allowed them to set rules together more informally and collaboratively. For instance, I discussed with them which posts were appropriate to share and the importance of keeping certain aspects of our lives private.
Set Limits
Creating screen time rules is another significant step you can take to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Don’t allow phones during meals to turn your dining table into a device-free zone. This change will encourage the family to engage in meaningful conversations and enjoy each other’s company without distractions. Additionally, your parents can limit screen use before bedtime, ensuring you have enough time to wind down and relax without the interference of bright screens. This balance will encourage you to partake in other activities such as reading, playing sports, or spending time outdoors, but also significantly enhance your family time and overall well-being.
Teach Online Safety
I took it upon myself to explain why online privacy is crucial to my parents. We discussed the potential risks of sharing personal information online and how strangers could misuse it. I showed them how to adjust social media account privacy settings and recognize and avoid suspicious links and messages. We also explored various parental control tools that helped them monitor my online activity in a way that made them feel secure without being too intrusive. This proactive approach ensured I was aware of the internet’s dangers while respecting my privacy.
Encourage Good Tech Use
Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and development if used correctly. I introduced my parents to educational apps and websites that could help me with school subjects and teach me new skills such as drawing or coding. We explored apps together, selecting those that were both educational and fun. This approach turned technology into a positive and productive part of my life, fostering a love for learning and creativity. We also set specific times for using these apps, ensuring that they complemented my study routine without becoming a distraction.
Talk Openly
One of the most important things my parents did was to create an environment where I felt comfortable talking about my online experiences. They clarified that I could come to them with any concerns or questions without fear of judgment or punishment. This open line of communication built a strong foundation of trust between us. We regularly discussed the games I played, the people I interacted with online, and any content that made me uncomfortable. These conversations kept them informed about my digital life. They allowed us to address any issues together, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect.
Stay Updated
My parents understood the importance of staying informed about the latest tech trends and developments. They habitually read articles, watch videos, and attend workshops about new apps, online challenges, and digital parenting strategies. This continuous learning process helped them understand the digital world I was part of and allowed them to provide better guidance and support. By staying updated, they could anticipate potential issues and address them proactively, ensuring that we were always prepared for any new challenges that came our way.
Additionally, joining online forums or local community groups for immigrant parents can provide valuable support. Sharing experiences with others in similar situations can be incredibly helpful. Attend workshops or webinars about digital parenting to enhance your knowledge further. Be a role model for tech use. Show your children how to balance screen time with other activities. Encourage family time without devices to strengthen your bond and emphasize the importance of face-to-face communication and outdoor play. This holistic approach will protect your children and teach them responsible and balanced use of technology.
These tips can help your children navigate the digital world safely and smartly. Stay involved, stay informed, and create a healthy tech environment for your family. It’s all about finding the right balance and ensuring that technology enhances your family life rather than detracting from it.
